Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken and frozen vegetables. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Gently heat through, but do not boil.
- Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
Don't overcook the vegetables; add them towards the end to keep them crisp-tender. Use high-quality broth for the best flavor. For a thicker soup, add a slurry of cornstarch and cold water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the simmering soup. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and add extra vegetables. Top with puff pastry croutons or add dumplings for a heartier meal.
